ABOVE: AERO 2026 will open its doors on 22 April in Friedrichshafen
AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 is seeing strong early demand, with exhibitor bookings running more than 25% higher than last year, according to show director Tobias Bretzel, who spoke to Pilot ahead of the show. When the event opens its doors in Friedrichshafen on 22 April, it will do so against the backdrop of one of the most robust market environments general aviation has seen in decades, according to the organisers.
The landmark general aviation gathering will again highlight advances in sustainable aviation, with the ‘Battery and Hydrogen Summit’ opening on Tuesday, 21 April. Bretzel said the event is intended to bring together those focused on the future of lower-emission flight, although the wider show will also see a strong sustainability focus.
Research and technical development will be centre stage in Hall A7, where AERO plans an innovation area with presentations on new engine concepts, alternative fuels, retrofit programmes, avionics and electric flight. Bretzel said the hall is designed to show visitors ‘the future of aviation’. Discussing future plans, the show director said that AERO is actively extending its international reach (notably in China, South Africa and the Middle East) and that it will continue to pursue further opportunities abroad – pointing out Brazil and India as markets with high-growth potential.
In a heartwarming passage for grassroots GA aviators, Bretzel said that, despite the growth of the business aviation sector, ‘we will never forget where AERO’s roots are: more than 50 percent of all AERO visitors are pilots. They are the basis of our success and we will always try to satisfy their needs and the needs of the companies which supply them with the right tools to put the dream of flying into reality.’
AERO 2026 will run 22-25 April, and will see the participation of all major GA manufacturers, including Textron Aviation, Cirrus, Diamond, Piper, Tecnam, Elixir, and Robin.
PHOTO: fairnamic GmbH
